FAQ

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions section.  We try to answer and provide as much information as possible to address questions you may have relating to wide variety of products we offer.

Paint Couture

Paint Couture is NOT a chalk like paint, and it has no chalk. Paint Couture is NOT a latex paint! Paint Couture is a zero VOC product. Paint Couture is environmentally safe, 100% acrylic based paint, without any of the highly carcinogenic PVA (polyvinyl alcohol). The paint is formulated to have great adhesion properties to all kinds of smooth surfaces. On most surfaces it does not need a primer! In most cases Paint Couture is a far easier product to work with than chalk-based products. The results are beautiful and more professional looking than with the chalk like or simple inexpensive latex paint finishes. It easily produces smooth contemporary and elegant finishes. Paint Couture will dry very hard and is extremely durable because it is an acrylic paint. It will not show the wear chalk type paints show so quickly.

A quart will cover approximately 140 to 50 square feet.

Yes! Paint Couture and Couture Topcoat can easily be used in a sprayer. Some Paint Couture colors may need a little water (up to 10%) added, but most colors can be sprayed as is.

No, Paint Couture was designed to have great adhesion properties to most all previous painted, varnished, or lacquered surfaces. There are some super slick surface areas (like laminates and melamine) that should have a light amount of sanding to rough up the surface area prior to painting.

Many professional painters use Paint Couture on kitchen and bath cabinets. Some Paint Couture colors will require two coats and of course you will need to add at least one coat of Couture Topcoat for the sheen, stain resistance, and durability desired. Please refer to the prep instructions above for use on cabinetry.

Paint Couture by itself is far more durable than other chalk like paints, but in order to gain excellent stain resistance a topcoat is recommended. One coat of Couture Topcoat will provide the durability of 3 coats of wax. Some applications may need two coats of Couture Topcoat for long lasting durability.

Paint Couture is a hard wearing acrylic resin paint; however, we do recommend the use of our acrylic antiquing glazes and topcoats for durable finishes long term. To further define this, there are certain surfaces that we recommend the use of a topcoat over the layers of our paint and glazes. Examples of surfaces that take a lot of wear and tear and would need a topcoat are: a child’s dresser, end tables with a lot of accessories on them, a kitchen table top, and any cabinets. Examples of surfaces that do not get a lot of use where paint would be fine by itself are mirrors, picture frames, side table legs. Most other every day surfaces would only require the use of our antiquing glazes over the paint for a protective finish. See below for an easier explanation:

• Paint Couture = Durable
• Paint Couture + Glaze Couture = Protective
• Paint Couture + Couture Topcoat = Very Durable
• Paint Couture + Glaze Couture + Couture Topcoat = Most Durable & Protective

All of the Couture Collection products (Paint, Glaze, Topcoats and Gilding Waxes) are made In the USA.

No. Due to so many Federal Regulations on materials for Baby Cribs and testing standards, we do not recommend any of the Couture products to paint Baby Cribs.

Yes, many hundreds of pieces have been painted with The Couture Collection! Be sure to rough up the unique IKEA surface area with 200 grit sandpaper and then follow the normal cleaning process recommended for painting with Paint Couture. Refer to the instructions in the prep section above for painting laminate. We do recommend two coats of Paint Couture and waiting a full 24 hours between coats of Paint Couture. After you paint you may apply Glaze Couture and or Couture Topcoat.

ARM-R-SEAL

By General Finishes

Although Arm-R-Seal rarely needs thinning because of its low viscosity, it can be thinned with up to 10% mineral spirits - more than that may thin the solids content too much. Thinned Arm-R-Seal will be diluted but can be stored without risk of separation.

You can lightly buff with 0000 steel wool and General Finishes Orange Oil Furniture Polish - nothing too aggressive.

GF has two products that would work well.

For non-professional finishers, we recommend using General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Topcoat.

Arm-R-Seal is oil based and will amber. Be sure to apply liberally with a foam brush or roller, letting the product self-level a bit. A liberal application will help you avoid streaks caused by back-brushing and pressure. Stir product thoroughly before and during application because flatting agents settle quickly in a solvent base finish.

For experienced professional finishers who spray, we recommend our two-step General Finishes Conversion Varnish, which would cure in half the time and dries clear.

Even though General Finishes products are water resistant, they are not impervious to standing water condensation (like an epoxy finish). As with any fine furniture finish, spills should be wiped up in a timely manner. We recommend using coasters to protect your wood from water condensation and pot holders to protect from heat.

Brushable White Enamel

By General Finishes

General Finishes Brushable White Enamel is a bright white. It's similar in color to General Finishes Snow White Milk Paint and General Finishes Enduro Pigmented White Poly.

General Finishes Enduro Pigmented White Poly and General Finishes Brushable White Enamel have similar durability, but different polymer systems.

The ingredients in Brushable White Enamel cause it to dry slower than Enduro White Poly, making it a less practical choice for professional cabinet refinishers who require fast dry and stacking ability. Brushable White Enamel is designed for DIY'ers who want a professional type finish, similar to White Poly, but don't have the equipment to do so. Professionals often pair the two by rolling the face frames with Brushable White Enamel and spraying Enduro White Poly.

Yes, Brushable White Enamel can be tinted to a light neutral or pastel shade with a zero VOC UTC colorant.

Brushable White Enamel can be applied to raw wood or existing finishes. When applying over an existing finish, be sure to prep your surface properly.

Learn how to properly prep existing finishes by watching this video.

The use of General Finishes Stain Blocker wood primer is recommended on both raw wood and existing finishes to prevent dye or stain bleed-through.